Battery clamp



March 16, 1943. E. G. JO-HNSON 2,314,219

BATTERY CLAMP Filed Feb. 14, 19.42

, veumr mnm M (Ittomcg Patented Mar. 16, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFIEBATTER Y CLAMP Erick G. Johnson, Rock Island, Ill. Application February14, 1942, Serial No. 430,915

1 Claim.

My invention has reference to a battery clamp, and has for its chiefpurpose to provide a positive and durable connection between the post orterminal of an electric battery and a wire or cable leading therefrom. Amarked purpose thereof is to do away with the use of any bolts orscrews, or similar fasteners in the makin of such connections, andthereby not only eifect a considerable saving in the cost of productionof the connecting parts, but also largely eliminate the danger of theparts becoming corroded and inefficient. This is pecially likely tooccur with the types of fasteners mentioned, which are dependent uponthe use of threads for their effectiveness.

Another purpose of the invention is to provide a coupling member havinga twin socket, in one of which the battery post is positioned, and theother of which is provided with a locking pin or key, which isself-fastening upon being given a partial rotation, and which at thesame time makes a rigid union between the battery terminal and coupling.The sockets are identical in form, and the terminal and pin can be usedinterchangeably therein, to conform the same to varying conditionssurrounding the battery location.

Another purpose of the invention is to provide said key piece with meansfor convenient operation by means of a wrench or similar tool, inpositioning or releasing the same, the arrangement being such that thetool-hold part of the key projects outwardly, at the side away from thebattery box, where it will not be interfered with by said battery orassociated parts, and in position for convenient operation.

The invention is of simple construction, and of a type and form whichmakes the same easily produced from cast metal if desired, the mostsatisfactory metal to be used being one which possesses non-corrosivequalities.

Another purpose of the invention i to have the same of rigid formation,with no parts which are exposed so as to be weakened by corrosion,

and without the use of screws, springs, or similar parts, not to bedesired in devices of that character.

The above named, and other features and advantages of the invention willmore fully appear from the following specification, reference being hadto the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 shows the invention in side elevation, as it appears when in use.

Fig. 2 is a plan view thereof.

Fig. 3 is a horizontal section on the line 33 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a detail of the pin H.

The reference number 6 indicates a fragmentary portion of a battery box,such as are in common use, from which projects a post or terminal I,held by a collar 8, fixed to the box, and forming a spacer. A coupling 9of elongated form is projected at one end into a socket III, to receivethe end of a lead wire or cable H, which can be soldered therein at theend, or otherwise secured so as to cause the free flow of an electriccurrent through the joint. The coupling 9 is provided with twin socketsl3 and I4, each of circular form, and merging into each other at acentral point. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3 the battery post 1 is engagedin the socket I3, and is held therein by means of a pin IT in the othersocket M, which pin is of eccentric form, and which, upon being turned,jams the post against the end wall of the socket, with the post andcoupling parts rigidly united. The pin I1 is fitted with a head ortion,consisting of a collar 0r disk [8, and a squared end I9 serving as atool-hold, to aid in turning the pin in one direction or the other.

The pin I1 is preferably of tapered form, so as to be self-seating, andcan be eccentrically I formed by flattening or otherwise distorting oneor both sides of the pin.

The pin may be formed of suitable material, and is sufliciently heavy toresist corrosion effects, but in case it should become reduced indiameter it can be forced a little further into the socket, and the losscompensated for.

It is to be noted that the arrangement of the invention is such thatwhen the pin H is in position the end l9, or tool end thereof is at thefarthest point from the battery box, and in a position to be easilyreached and operated by a wrench. In some forms of clamps making use ofbolts and nuts, such parts are frequently positioned at a point near thebox, in a position that makes them dimcult of operation with an ordinarytool.

It is also to be noted that the invention is formed of two parts only,the pin portion of which can be readily produced, and the coupling partof which is equally simple, and of a character to be easily cast'ormolded. No boring of holes or cutting of threads is required. It is alsointerchangeable, as before mentioned, and the post I can be positionedin the end socket, if desired, as shown in Fig. 1, with the pin I! inthe other socket for operation. The main purpose of the collar I8 is toprevent contact of a tool with the coupling 9, while being operated.

It will be obvious that when it is desired to give attention to abattery the coupling and lead wire can be instantly disconnected fromthe battery post, and as quickly returned to position for use.

While the invention has been set forth herein as being designed chieflyfor use as a battery connection, other kindred uses can be made thereof,Where it is desired to provide for a quick connection between a pair ofterminals for the passage of an electric current.

What I claim and desire to secure, is

A battery clamp comprising a coupling adapted for connection with thelead wire of a battery, provided with twin sockets of circular form andof approximately the same diameters, extending entirely through thecoupling, and merging with each other at the central part, with theiraxes parallel with each other, adapted for use with a battery terminalinsertable in one or other of said sockets, and a locking pin ofcam-shaped cross-section insertable in one or other of said sockets forengagement with a terminal inserted oppositely in the other of saidsockets, to lock the same in place upon a partial rotation of thelocking pin.

ERICK G. JOHNSON.

